Rachel Johnston

My Activity Tracking

100
kms

My target 100 kms

I’m Clocking K’s for R U OK?

This October, I’m joining K’s for R U OK? to stay connected, develop healthy habits and help to create a world where we're connected and protected from suicide.

Each week I'll be consistent in my clocking as I walk (run, wheel or ride) to help start more life-changing conversations. 

By donating to my page you are helping R U OK? provide free, essential resources to schools, workplaces, families, and communities across Australia. Giving them the tools and confidence to spot the signs and to start a conversation that could change the life of someone who's struggling. And you'll be putting a big smile on my face.

Thank you so much.

By inspiring people to take the time to ask “Are you OK?” and listen, we can help people struggling with life to feel connected long before they even think about suicide.

My Achievements

My Updates

You can't pour from an empty cup

Thursday 30th Oct
A little kms update. 

Where do I start....it's been a month. 

180 km was a bit ambitious knowing that this was a hard month on the personal front. 

The beauty of getting older is, you learn to know yourself and your limits. 

With that in mind, I've dropped the 100kms.

Does this mean the challenge was failed? Not one bit. My aim is always to educate, raise awareness and to see vital funds go Where they are needed. 

Have I let sponsors down? Being really, transparent and modelling challenges and how you navigate them is important. It's not just about asking people if they are ok, its about reducing stigma and acknowledging that sometimes we are not ok, and that's ok because with support we can get through it. 

Acknowledging the small achievements and being brave enough to set boundaries and prioritise wellbeing and building s culture that supports this is a big achievement.

The kms, the education, the advocacy, the push the change stigma....they're not a one month thing....they continue long after the month passes. 

So if you want to see more kms, pop me a message and let's clock them up together & have a check in. 

💛

Connection

Tuesday 14th Oct
A very present theme over the last few weeks through various webinars and events has been connection. 
This is something I've reflected on heavily and shifted my perspective to in various situations throughout my day. 
What an impact connection has. How big of a difference does the little gesture where a connection is forged, that "hey, they thought of me" moment make. 
Equally is the strength of the impact when that is taken away or not awarded.
Take time this week to say hi to that person or drop a complement or praise someone's achievements...hey even ask somebody if they are ok....it might just be the connection that person needed to let light into a dark day.

What if the answer is no?

Wednesday 8th Oct
Over 7 million Australian adults are close to
someone who has died by suicide or attempted suicide, with 1 in 2 young people are impacted by suicide by the time they turn 25.

The stats are confronting and it is easy to see how it could impact you or someone close to you when you see the stats. 

It's as easy as asking if they're ok right? But what if the answer was no? 

The ability to have a calm conversation in and confronting & frightening situation is difficult and often a reason we don't ask. 

Calm conversations connect, ask, refer and exit. 
Completing Suicide Awareness & Intervention training such as calm care or calm conversations "empowers you with the knowledge and skills to identify the silent cries for help and to act with timely, life-saving interventions. By signing up, you’re not just gaining invaluable insights—you’re positioning yourself to be the difference between hope and hopelessness for someone in need. Step forward and be the change; because your understanding today could save a life tomorrow."

Have you considered how you would respond if the answer was no?

Penny for your thoughts

Wednesday 8th Oct
Have you ever stopped to wonder the impact or your words and kindness? 

Do you award yourself the same considerations? 

The kms have been on hold over the weekend, but the reflection on the importance of checking in with yourself and others was in strong force.

Work, study and mundane tasks were all put on hold. Boundaries were set. Prioritising connection and relationships was a focus.

Have you ever stopped to reflect how much of a difference a small act of kindness, a simple check in or being really heard and seen makes? 

Have you ever thought about what you hide under the surface or what others may be keeping hidden? 

Do you listen to really hear & understand?
When you look at someone, do you really see them? Do you look beyond the surface or settle for what is being depicted on the outside? 
Do you notice the impact on yourself and others around you when being seen, heard, valued & accepted is awarded? 

What/who are you grateful for today? 

How did you make a positive impact today?

Stat check!

Thursday 2nd Oct
Suicide statistics in Australia as displayed at https://www.lifeline.org.au/resources/data-and-statistics/ Understanding the data can help us build hope, reduce stigma and prevent suicide. An average of 9 Australians die by suicide each day. While we don't have an exact number, estimates suggest that more than 54,000 Australians may attempt suicide each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–44. 75% of people who die by suicide are men, especially those aged 40–59 and 85+. 1 in 6 Australians have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours in their lifetime, and 3.3% have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours in the previous 12 months. Remember, every day is a good day to ask R U Ok?

The impact of conversation

Wednesday 1st Oct
Suicide has a lasting impact and while it can be linked to mental health, it doesn't discriminate, it can happen to anyone.

Starting a conversation can feel difficult to navigate, breaking it down into simple steps can make it easier.

Start a conversation: 

Simply ask, "Are you OK?" to someone you care about. 

Listen: Give the person your full attention and don't feel pressured to be an expert. 

Encourage action: Suggest they seek professional support or remind them of available resources. 

Keep the conversation going: A conversation on "R U OK? Day" or any other day can make a real difference. 

Take time to pause and ask those around you, R U OK?

Ks for R U OK?

Sunday 21st Sep
October is mental health month. I'll be backing up Liptember with Ks for R U OK? 

If you've been impacted by the loss of someone close to you through suicide or supported someone experiencing ideation or mental health challenges, or experienced them yourself, you know too well why raising awareness and checking in are important. 

Research, education & support come at a significant cost, but they also bring with them impact, with every life saved worth every dollar spent. You can't put a price on the value of someone's life.

As part of mental health month I'm also sponsoring and participating in The Wellbeing Hub -  Capricorn Coast Walk for Wellbeing on Sunday 12th October, its not too late to register if you want to strap on your sneakers and participate in a scenic walk along the Cap Coast to promote mental health awareness and participate in an event that actively supports your mental health through connection to people, community & nature as well as physical activity 💛 It's a family friendly event, if you want any further information hit me up or reach out to Shanelle. 

Take time to check in with your self and those close to you. Prioritise self care, and if you're not ok...reach out 💋

Thank you to my Sponsors

$59.41

Carol Godwin

Doing kilometers for a good cause. Well done Rachel.

$27.81

Janet Pleash

$11.65

Rachel Johnston